Story Published:
Jun 24, 2010 at 9:56 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 24, 2010 at 9:56 AM CST
Government by intimidation seems to be the order of the day in Algood and Baxter. Major domos crack the whip and expect their minions to grovel before them. This is very similar to the way President Obama bows to arab leaders when he travels to muslim nations.
In Algood, the mayor has recruited two fellow councilpersons to vote with her on every issue. As a result, most issues are decided on three - two votes.
As can be seen, three votes on a five-person body controls Council business. I'll bet the three will always be present for votes, as the Mayor wields a stranglehold on City business. It's unfortunate that the citizens must bear the brunt of such a system. As a result, the voters are left out. A position that holds true in both towns.
Petty politics is the order of the day as power struggles hold sway. These power struggles have been going on for quite some time. Perhaps the upcoming elections will change things for the good.
In Algood, seven former City employees were paid over $26,000 for sick time. They had less than ten years' service. Did they know that there was an ordinance in place that said employees with less than ten years service could not collect such pay?
Seems like somebody in the administration should have known about the ordinance. This has been ongoing for some time.
Some former City employees may owe quite a bit of money. So, how much will the City pay to collect what is owed? Some may not be able to repay. This sounds like ham-fisted petty politics being played.
My previous MTTP column of June 21 detailed how the Algood City Councill has initiated a witch hunt against former City Manager Freddie Maxwell, former Fire Chief and Councilman Loyd Norris, and Councilman Bruce Roach.
This action by the Mayor and her cabal of two Council persons is beyond despicable. It seems that the Mayor's Council persons vote the way she wants. I'll bet both have sore ribs from those elbows aimed at them before votes.
Meanwhile, down in Baxter, City business remains stymied because of a lack of a second on motions. City employees may not have health insurance.
The Mayor does not have veto power by Baxter's Charter according to MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service). That ruling could lead to a long hot summer in Baxter.
Again, we see ham-handled politics at play by the Mayor who seems to be at odds with the City Council. When one Alderperson resigned a couple of months ago because of legal problems associated with a spouse, the three-member Council attempted to appoint a replacement, a former Alderman.
But several days later the Mayor vetoed the appointment. He apparently wants the appointment of the person who came in second to the resigned Alderperson.
Stay tuned!
